Thousands of Canadians promise to change the future of breast cancer by joining the CIBC Run for the Cure

01 September 2017

Toronto -

More than 80,000 Canadians are expected to join forces on October 1 for the 26th annual Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure. The event – taking place in 56 locations from coast to coast – is the largest, single-day, volunteer-led event dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research, support services, health education and advocacy programs.

Breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women with 1 in 8 expected to be diagnosed in her lifetime. But thanks to donors and trailblazing events like the CIBC Run for the Cure, investments in cancer research are making a difference. Mortality rates for breast cancer are 44 per cent lower than their peak in the mid 1980’s and approximately 87% of people diagnosed with breast cancer are expected to live five years beyond their diagnoses.

“Now, more than ever before, we have the power to change the future of breast cancer,” says Lynne Hudson, President and CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. “With strategic investments in cancer research, support programs and health education and advocacy initiatives, we will see game-changing accomplishments. We will prevent more women from being diagnosed, find more effective and efficient treatments and enhance survivors’ quality of life post-cancer. But we can’t do it alone. We encourage all Canadians to be Changemakers and make a promise to sign up to run, donate or fundraise for the CIBC Run for the Cure.”

The first CIBC Run for the Cure took place in 1992 in Toronto’s High Park. A group of volunteers brought together approximately 1,500 people and raised $85,000 for the breast cancer cause. Since then, the event has expanded across the country and each year unites a tribe of passionate individuals with a connection to breast cancer who want to show their support. Last year alone, events across Canada raised $17 million.

Historically, the CIBC Run for the Cure has raised funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF). In February, CBCF merged with the Canadian Cancer Society. The mandate and spirit of CBCF, including the CIBC Run for the Cure, remain a vital and important part of the Canadian Cancer Society. All funds raised through the Run will continue to support the breast cancer cause.

The CIBC Run for the Cure is made possible by the support of 10,000 dedicated volunteers and the Canadian Cancer Society’s unparalleled partnership with title sponsor, CIBC. This year marks CIBC’s 21st year as title sponsor. In 2016, more than 11,000 members of Team CIBC raised nearly $3 million towards the Run.

“We are incredibly grateful for CIBC’s unwavering support of our cause and the CIBC Run for the Cure,” explains Hudson. “They have been a committed partner for more than two decades and because of their support and the support of communities across Canada, we have been able to make great strides in our fight against breast cancer.”

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.